“You made your choice so I had to make mine.” He tossed her over his shoulder and carried her back to her car. “Time to go,” he announced as he ran his hand over the curve of her bottom. He slid a blindfold over her eyes before he placed her in the passenger seat. Retrieving her keys from her jacket, he rounded the car and started the engine. “Better keep your head down.” He pushed her face into his crotch, rubbing it against the bulge in his pants. “Can’t have the wrong person see you.”
Andie’s heart raced as he started to drive. Where was he taking her? What was he planning to do when he got her there?
Mentally, she rolled her eyes. He palmed her ass and stuck her face against his erection. What did she think he was planning? Andie couldn’t decide if the fear or the desire that suddenly surged through her was stronger.
She forced herself to breathe. All she needed was to hyperventilate and pass out before they got to wherever he was taking her. Where the hell was he going? It seemed to be taking forever. What if he locked her away in some secret location and she never escaped? Why didn’t he say something? The silence was becoming unbearable. Andie wasn’t going to give in to the panic that threatened. He may have just kidnapped her, but he was still Brett.
Kidnapped? No. Kidnappers demanded ransom in exchange for their hostages. The only thing this man would demand was her total surrender. Everyone thought she was on her way home. What if he really did intend to keep her with him forever? If he was going away from the city, no one would even think to look for her there. He could keep her tied up, hidden from the world, returning to use her body as his plaything indefinitely and no one would even suspect him. Mentally, she groaned. Why had she finally managed to delete his emails the night before after rereading the latest over and over again? Now they weren’t there to point someone in the right direction once they figured out that she had disappeared.
Brett sensed Andie’s growing fear and began to have doubts. He was doing the only thing possible that would make her willing to accept him. Wasn’t he? He’d spent countless hours considering all options and this really was the one that would succeed in bringing them together. Right? What if… Brett squelched the little voice inside his head. This was the only way. He was not wrong. He had to overwhelm the resistance in her mind or the life they could have would be lost to them forever. Before the weekend was over, Andie would manage to forgive him. They would have the same happily-ever-after life that both his friends had found.
He felt himself smile. If his instincts weren’t dead on—and he was positive they were—but if they weren’t Shane wouldn’t need to put him behind bars. Jesse would kill him long before Shane had the chance. Winding through the countryside, Brett assured himself that Andie’s fear would be short-lived. As soon as he dismantled the shield she’d built, she would be the one insisting it was time to share their love.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“Almost there,” Brett growled as he pushed her from his thigh.
Where? Almost where? Andie hoped she wasn’t shaking enough for him to notice. She felt a drop of sweat roll down her back as he closed the car door, leaving her in her seat. What if he just went away and deserted her there? Andie couldn’t decide if she were relieved or not when he guided her out of the car. After all, he’d still need it to get home, with or without her. Someone would surely find it then.
“Stand right there,” Brett instructed. “Just need to cover this.” He kept his voice even as he shook open what she guessed was a tarp and covered her car. “Easy now.” he tossed her back over his shoulder.
As Brett carried her, Andie heard crunching beneath his feet. Between that and the branches that brushed against her, they could only be tromping along some overgrown path.
“Here’s the tricky part,” Brett stated. “Andie, this is very important. Nod if you’re listening.” She nodded. “I need to carry you up a ladder and then we’ll be there.” He turned her and moved her hand so she was touching the ladder. “It’s a little rickety but we should be fine as long as you don’t struggle. We’ve got about twenty-five feet to go. You need to be very still so I don’t drop you. Okay, Andie?”
Frantically, Andie nodded again. “Good girl,” he praised. He hoisted her back across his shoulder, making sure she was properly balanced before he started climbing. “I won’t let you fall,” Brett assured her as he made his way slowly higher. When he reached their destination, he slid her inside before following. “Very good, wench. Just let me take care of this and I’ll be right with you.”
Andie knew she wasn’t doing well at controlling her shaking. When he’d told her about the ladder, she had been afraid to breathe. If he fell and was injured, no one would ever find them. She heard a scrape and a thud and knew that he had pushed the ladder from the building. How would she ever get out of here?
“Sorry. Didn’t want you to feel neglected but I can’t have you trying to leave before I’m ready.” Brett stood close enough for her to feel his breath on her cheek. “Do you remember what you kept telling me that night we spent together? You insisted that you would never lie to me. You meant it then. Have I hardened you enough that you are capable of being dishonest? Can you lie to me now?”
Andie could feel him waiting for her to respond. For weeks, she’d told herself that if she ever had to, she would do whatever it took to protect her heart from him. Unfortunately, she knew she still wouldn’t be able to lie. Andie’s mind balked. What was it going to take for her to learn? First, the man used her, broke his word, and trashed her feelings completely. Now, though he’d promised to stay away and give her time to trust him again, he had her tied, gagged and blindfolded, God knows where, to do God knows what, and he calmly asked if she was going to be truthful with him. He was insane! How he’d managed to it hide from his friends and her aunt all this time was beyond her but it was perfectly clear. Brett Hudson was a certifiable lunatic.
“I’ll know if you’re less than honest, wench, so think carefully before you respond,” he advised.
Andie fought back the terror that threatened and shook her head. Damn her for being such a decent person. She couldn’t even lie to the fruitcake when it meant saving her skin.
“Excellent,” Brett said as if pleased. “I bet you’re ready to lose the gag.” She nodded. “Not that there’s anybody within miles who would hear you, but I need you to promise you won’t start shrieking if I take it off. I’ve decided not to punish you for making me come get you since you made it surprisingly easy. And I will also remember that you didn’t give me any trouble on the ladder. So what’s it going to be, wench? Want me to remove the gag? Once I do, we can discuss a few things before we get started.”
Discuss things? Get started? He was going to let his lust take over and use her body as he had before, wasn’t he? If that wasn’t it, what did he have planned for her? Andie forced down a scream as she indicated she wanted the gag out of her mouth.
“Much better,” Brett whispered as he rubbed his thumb over her trembling lip. When he brushed a light kiss over her mouth, she flinched, not quite managing to contain her gasp.
Brett dropped his hand and stepped away from her. As he watched, he could see that Andie was shaking. His heart lurched when he realized that his illusion worked too well. Andie was afraid of him. He’d meant to scare her a little bit, so she would be less resistant, not terrify her. He’d wanted to create an atmosphere of danger, not make her believe she was truly at risk. The longer Brett stayed silent, the more he could sense Andie’s panic growing.
“Truth, Andie, are you frightened right now?” She nodded instead of answering. “You’re seriously afraid? Of me? And what I have planned for you?”
“Yes,” Andie whispered, biting her bottom lip.
Brett pulled the blindfold from her eyes so he could see them. She’d answered honestly. He could see raw terror reflecting back at him. Brett groaned as he pulled her against his chest, wrapping her tightly in his arms. Words of comfort flowed while one hand found hers, s
till bound, folding them securely within his. The other gently rubbed her back in a soothing motion.
“I’m sorry,” Brett repeated, his voice full of anguish. “I never meant to scare you like this.”
Andie couldn’t contain her sobs and cried against his chest. “What did you want then?” she asked.
Brett released her and began to pace. “I wanted you to listen. In the park, it was obvious that you weren’t willing to let me say anything that mattered. I thought if I could make you believe I was the only person for miles and you needed me that you might talk about the important things that we need to get out in the open. God, I’m sorry.” Brett pulled his phone from his coat pocket. “I could never hurt you. I’d die first,” he declared. “Hey, it’s me. Can you come over? I’m in the attic.”
Andie’s tears continued as she remained motionless. “Where are we?”
Brett couldn’t answer as he slipped the key from its hiding place and unlocked the door. She’d know soon enough. As soon as Shane got there, she’d see that all he’d done was drive around before he brought her home. How had he been so wrong? When he’d come up with the plan, Brett was sure that Andie’s passionate nature would override any fear. He’d thought she’d know he wouldn’t really do anything to harm her. He’d thought she’d figure out that it was all a set up to give her the freedom to respond to him as he was positive she wanted to. He’d thought she would let go of the resistance she forced herself to hang on to and give in to her true feelings. He was so certain the love she’d had was still there, beneath the surface, just waiting to give to him again. He’d thought she’d be able to open her heart and accept his love in return. He was wrong. About all of it.
“Where the hell is the door?” Shane yelled.
“Other side,” Brett answered.
Shane opened the door and stepped into the room with Jesse on his heels. “What is all this?” They stopped at the sight of Andie, still bound.
“A very bad idea that couldn’t have made things worse if I’d been trying to.” Brett half expected either Jesse or Shane to take a swing at him. “My intentions were good,” he said to Andie. “You’ll never know how sorry I am.” He pulled her car keys from his pocket, along with his own and a packet of papers. “I’ll get out of your way.” He walked from the room without looking back.
“You okay?” Jesse untied her. “Did he hurt you?”
“No,” Andie replied. “Where is this?”
“Brett’s attic,” Shane supplied. “How’d you get in here?”
“Through the window,” she told him as he opened it to look out at the yard.
“He carried you up here?” Andie nodded as she and Jesse joined him. “He must have worked non-stop on this. I helped him move some boxes up here three days ago and none of it was here.”
“How’d he get you alone?” Jesse asked.
“There was a note on my car. I thought it was from Flynn even though there was no name. I went to that place he took me before and Brett caught me. He had me tied up before I could react. He blindfolded me and gagged me. It seemed like we drove around for a long time. I thought he was carrying me through the woods and then he climbed up here.”
“He pretended to kidnap you?” Jesse was shocked.
“Yes and no,” Shane interrupted, understanding part of Brett’s intentions. “He did take you. I think he wanted to overwhelm your senses so nothing but the two of you existed. After we got home Thursday, Brett told me how you’d kept yourself shut off from him when Sadie sent you to talk. I suspect he wanted to get beyond that so you might listen when he told you how he feels about you.” He held out the papers to her. “These are for you.”
Andie sat on the edge of the bed and looked at her name on the pack. While they watched, she opened the papers. Each stunned her more than the last. “Oh my God,” she whispered as she started to read the letter she found.
Andie, if you’re reading this without me, you already know my plan didn’t work the way I’d intended. I meant to make you think you were trapped in the middle of nowhere with just me to take care of you. I thought if you saw that you could trust me not to hurt you after I captured you, you might be able to let your heart listen to me.
Something must have gone wrong. Whatever it was, I will regret it for the rest of my life. I won’t bother you again. Jesse mentioned that you were interested in this house when you thought it would be sold. I can’t stay here without you so I want you to have it. I’ll have Jordan get my personal things sometime when it’s convenient for you. I rebuilt the screened-in porch. I thought you might like a solarium to give piano lessons in. It’s all ready for you. I made some of the other changes you suggested the first time you were here. As you must have guessed, I hoped to convince you to stay with me when I offered to release you.
I love you, Andrea Sloan. I hoped to share everything with you. I don’t think I can stay in town either. Seeing you would hurt too much so I signed over my part of the station. Jordan has excellent ideas so please consider what he suggests. I know he’ll understand if you won’t but this is a great town. The station could be good again and I hope you’ll give it a chance. I don’t know where I’m going but I doubt that it’ll be anyplace where I’ll need a car. You can sell mine or torch it if it makes you feel any better.
I set up an account for you at the bank near the station. I’m only taking what I think I’ll need to get away from here. The other paper gives you control over my investments with Jordan. He’ll help you with them if you ask him to. Don’t be mad at any of them. None of them, including Flynn, knew what I was doing. They are all good people and, if you let them, will become your friends. I’m sorry for how my stupidity hurt you. Don’t let the actions of one very foolish man effect the way you are. Don’t stop being you because of me. You are the kindest, most generous and loving woman. Don’t judge all men by me. There are good ones out there. Jordan, Shane, and Jesse should prove that. Whether you believe me or not, all I wanted to do was find a way to love you openly. I’m so sorry I failed. I’ll love you forever. I will stay away so don’t think you need to spend your life looking over your shoulder.
Be happy, Andie. Yours in all ways,
Brett
Andie let Jesse and Shane read Brett’s letter. The men exchanged a meaningful look before Shane muttered, “I guess I better go check on him. I’m sure he’ll be at Jordan’s for tonight at least.”
Jesse followed Andie through the house, discovering all the things Brett had done with her in mind. When they made their way downstairs, they wound up in the solarium. As Brett claimed, it was perfect for Andie. He’d even bought a piano for her.
“It’s beautiful,” Andie whispered.
“And all yours,” Jesse reminded her.
“I can’t keep this. I can’t keep any of it. Why would he do something like that?”
“Because he loves you. Think about it, Andie. You never asked him for anything so he wants to give it all to you. I suspect he would have given it to you even if you were here together.” Jesse pointed to the box on the piano. “I think there’s more.”
Andie had to force herself to pick it up. When she opened what was obviously a jeweler’s box, she found a gold heart necklace. The back was engraved, Yours Forever and Brett had written, Andie, All my love, Brett inside the box.
Crying, Andie set the box aside and reached for the drawings that had been under it. She saw image after image of herself. Some showed her with his friends. There were sketches of Andie with Charlie and Kiley at the piano, her with Flynn as he assumed they looked at Flynn’s private spot, her with Sadie, and her with Max and Bear. There were also visions of the night they’d shared. He had drawn everything they’d experienced together. The last few pages depicted what Andie guessed were what he hoped they’d share once he managed to make her stop denying the feelings they had for each other. Some were so graphic that she could practically feel what he’d drawn.
“Uh, Andie,” Jesse reminded her he was stil
l there.
“Oh God.” She groaned as she blushed hotly.
“Don’t worry about it.” Jesse grinned. “I knew you were hot.” He urged her to sit and faced her. “I think it’s time for you to tell me exactly what happened the night you spent with Brett.” He wasn’t going to let her hide from him. “This is not the time for embarrassment, Andie. I’m guessing that the two of you bring some unexpected desires out in each other. I saw the restraints on the bed up there. I saw the hook hanging from the ceiling too. I suspect that Brett felt you would be willing to do the things they suggest.”
“Yeah,” Andie finally admitted.
“And by the look of you in his drawings, I’d say you more than enjoyed letting him be in control.” She nodded again. “So easy-go-lucky Brett Hudson goes wild when he’s with the meek and timid little piano teacher.” Jesse laughed at the scowl she gave him. “Seems to me that Brett went to a tremendous amount of effort to make you able to let go of some of your hurt and give into your feelings for him. One question, Andie. What went wrong? I would have said it was a brilliant plan if I hadn’t been here to see how it ended.” When she didn’t attempt an answer, he continued. “At least you’re even now.”
“Even?” Andie asked.
“Yes. Even. Brett shattered your heart. You shattered his. But I don’t get it. You were still tied. Both of you still had your coats on. What did you do that made him stop and call Shane?”
Andie paled as she understood. In a very small voice, she said, “I said yes when he asked if I was afraid of him. He reminded me that I said I would never lie to him that other night and then he asked if he scared me.”
Jesse was too stunned to move. After a long stretch, filled only with Andie’s quiet crying, he shook himself. “You’re telling me that after spending the night doing the things Brett recreated on paper, after all those emails he’s been sending you that you honestly thought he was capable of hurting you?”
Condemned Page 23
